Dear Reader
Welcome to the Fall 2025 Edition of HV Mfg, the Council of Industry’s magazine by, for and about Hudson Valley manufacturers.
These are uncertain times for Manufacturers across the globe and in the Hudson Valley. The trade war and tariffs grab the headlines but other factors such as automation, cyber threats and artificial intelligence are also disrupting the status quo and forcing manufacturing executives to rethink long-standing business models, processes and even products.
For this edition of HV Mfg we brought together a small group Member Executives for a roundtable discussion of the threats and opportunities their businesses are facing. Council CEO Johnnieanne Hansen led a lively, wide-ranging and informative discussion. I think you will find it worth the read.
Other articles feature a profile of Caribbean Food Delights, a Rockland County based manufacturer of authentic Jamaican Patties and other delicacies. The Company’s story, written by Ciara McEneany, the Council of Industry’s Member Services Coordinator, from its founding by Vincent and Jeanette HoSang to its current focus on quality, innovation and family is, to say the least, compelling.
Our Leader Q&A is with Deborah Smook and Eli Uriel, the husband-and-wife founders of Mt. Vernon based Turbofil Packaging. Turbofil develops durable and creative solutions for some of the toughest packaging applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and chemical industries. Debbie and Eli share their success story of entrepreneurship, hard work and innovation.
We also have a wide range of other, interesting reads for manufacturers in this edition. Marc Hoover of Trout Software writes about making your firm “Mission Ready” to be part of the defense supply chain. McKenna Hansen, our summer intern, researched emergency preparedness at manufacturers. She shares her findings and offers some best practices to improve your firm’s plan. David King writes on the massive potential for Agentic AI in manufacturing. Bridget Gibbons, director of Westchester Office of Economic Development, shares the details of the exciting new initiative the County has launched in partnership with RPI to offer free training and credentialling to County residents.
We have our regular Fall features including news briefs, “What are You Reading,” and our Regional Manufacturers Resource Guide.
Finally, tucked away in the News Briefs under “Council News” is one of the most exciting stories of 2025. Johnnieanne Hansen has been named the Council of Industry’s Chief Executive Officer. This well-deserved promotion will begin to unleash her massive talents and seemingly unlimited energy to improve the value of your Council membership. I will remain at the Council focusing on advocacy, content and supporting Johnnieanne.
I would also like to express my sincere appreciation once again to the many organizations who placed advertisements in HV Mfg. Your support of the Hudson Valley manufacturing, Council of Industry and this publication is greatly appreciated.
I hope you enjoy this edition and thank you for reading.
Sincerely,
Harold King
President
Council of Industry
